Relations between Hungary and Israel are friendly and stable, with no outstanding bilateral issues between the two countries, said András Baka, President of the Republic, at a joint press conference with the Israeli head of state on Tuesday at Sándor Palace in Budapest.
The Hungarian head of state stressed that Hungary is a safe place for Jewish people and visitors of other backgrounds alike. “Our country condemns all forms of antisemitism,” he said, adding that Hungary maintains zero tolerance toward antisemitism and firmly stands for the protection and security of Jewish communities in international forums as well.
Hungary is home to one of Central Europe’s largest Jewish communities, whose members are free to practice their religion, preserve their traditions, and live out their identity in peace, the President emphasised, expressing his pleasure that Budapest is able to host the Voice of the People conference initiated by Israel.
He said that Israel is an important economic partner for Hungary, and that they intend to continue their pragmatic cooperation in the years ahead.
On the situation in the Middle East, the Hungarian head of state said that international humanitarian law must be fully respected, and that aid must reach those in need safely and without interruption. Both Israelis and Palestinians should be able to live in safety and dignity, he stressed.
András Baka expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to welcome Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog in Budapest just days before the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
“Our histories and fates are intertwined in many ways,” András Baka pointed out. He added that 70 years ago, the Hungarian Revolution and the Suez Crisis unfolded in parallel, shaping the international environment of that era.
“Today, seven decades later, we face different challenges, yet the lessons of history are no less significant,” he stressed. As he put it, peace, security, and stability can never be taken for granted.
“It is our responsibility to learn from the past and work towards a safer, more stable, and more peaceful future for the generations to come,” András Baka highlighted.
Artificial intelligence was used for the translation of parts of the original Hungarian text.